Who We Are

We are experts in the design and operation of distributed energy resources (DER) who are driven by a commitment to help electric utilities navigate the clean energy transition in a way that meets society’s need for a reliable and affordable power system.

Our analyses and leadership have supported numerous power system operators in gaining regulatory approval for energy storage and other DER projects, including multiple utility rate-based projects.

We deliver a unique engagement that transforms our clients by respecting and empowering practitioners, supporting them with tools and experience, and challenging them to achieve more with DERs as part of their normal operations.

We have direct experience in electric utility engineering and operations, advanced power system modelling and analytics, DER technology creation focused on energy storage utilization, DER deployment, and organizational leadership and change.

Mission Statement

To accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by providing engineering, analytics, and procurement capabilities that enable utilities to make distributed energy resources a normal part of a safe, reliable, low-cost electric grid.﻿

Dan Sowder, P.E.

Co-founder & Principal

Dan Sowder, P.E., is a co-founder and Principal of Sound Grid Partners and leads customer engagement and business operations. Over the course of his career, he has advanced the deployment and utilization of distributed energy resources across multiple facets of the power system ecosystem while also creating new technologies and building successful business enterprises.

Dan began his career as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. After earning an MBA, he joined Duke Energy where he led the design and deployment of numerous energy storage projects as well as business model innovations to enhance the value of renewable energy on the grid. At 1Energy Systems he launched and grew the power systems and project delivery division of the company while contributing to technology development and a successful acquisition. Post-acquisition, Dan served as VP of Power Systems Integration at Doosan GridTech where he was responsible for project delivery and engineering operations, supply chain, and analytics.

Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the US Naval Academy, a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in electrical power systems.

Tess Williams, Ph.D.

Co-founder & Principal

Tess Williams, Ph.D., is a co-founder and Principal of Sound Grid Partners and leads analytics and design services. She is an expert in helping electric utilities and other megawatt scale power producers to evaluate, procure, integrate and optimize energy storage and other distributed energy resources. She has led energy storage design studies that have enabled the regulatory approval of rate-basing over 35 MW and 65 MWh of utility-owned and utility-operated energy storage projects in three different regulatory jurisdictions.

Prior to Sound Grid Partners, at Doosan GridTech, Tess launched and grew the power system analytics team responsible for modeling and design engineering services, where she led over a dozen DER integrationstudies for utility clients. At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, her research focused on the design and operation of electric distribution systems and microgrids with a focus on efficiency, renewable integration, and controls. She has evaluated field demonstrations of emerging technologies and has authored patents related to distribution system operations and control.

Tess holds a doctorate in physics from Harvard University and bachelor’s degree in physics from Stanford University.